User perceptions of software with embedded spyware.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a research model and hypotheses that explore
software users’ perceptions of privacy, trust, and US legal protection in using application software
with embedded spyware.
Design/methodology/approach – An experimental study was undertaken requiring subjects to
use an online analytical processing software product. After use, the experimental group was told
spyware was embedded in the software. Questionnaire responses for the experimental and control
group were compared using independent samples t-test. Multiple regression was used to determine
significant predictors of overall trust in the software vendor.
Findings – Users of software with spyware, versus users of software without spyware, have lower
trust perceptions of a software vendor. Further examination of trustworthiness as a multi-dimensional
construct, reveals trustworthiness-ability and trustworthiness-integrity are important influences of
overall trust of a vendor.
Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of the findings is the use of a
convenience sample, limiting the generalizability of the results.
Practical implications – The results may provide guidance to software vendors and government
regulatory agencies in addressing the concerns associated with spyware.
Originality/value – Software vendors should rethink the practice of embedding spyware in
software applications, unless user trust can be maintained.